Football
Confident Reds set to kick-off

REDDITCH UNITED head into the new Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division campaign in confident mood this weekend.

The Reds kick-off the season with a trip to Hitchin Town on Saturday before entertaining newly-promoted Bedworth United at the Valley on Tuesday (7.45pm).

The new management team of Simon Redhead, Asa Charlton and Kim Casey have drafted in a hots of new signings and they completed their pre-season programme by recording a pleasing 1-0 victory over Northwich Victoria on Saturday.

Jack Cresswell grabbed the only goal of the game in the first half and the Reds comfortably held on to the advantage in what proved a highly encouraging performance.

Meanwhile, it was a case of mixed fortunes in the FA Cup extra prelimnary round for STUDLEY and ALVECHURCH on Saturday.

Studley recorded a hard fought 3-2 success at Bloxwich United thanks to a late winner from Danny Pilgrim.

The visitors had twice taken the lead through Matt Collins and Scott Turner but the Black Country outfit battled back to level on each time and looked like earning a replay until Pilgrim popped up in the closing stages.

Studley's reward is a preliminary round home tie against Evo-Stick Southern League Division One Central outfit Rugby Town which takes place at the Beehive on Saturday, August 25.

Studley also cemented their mid-table place in the Baker Joiner Midland Alliance table after battling out a 0-0 draw with Tividale on Tuesday night.

They visit newly-promoted Continental Star tomorrow (Saturday) before travelling to Stourport Swifts on Tuesday.

Alvechurch bowed out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle after slipping to a disappointing 2-1 defeat in a replay against Norton United at Lye Meadow on Tuesday night.

'Church made a poor start in the original tie and found themselves two goals down inside 15 minutes with Michael Machin and Jimmy Garside on target.

Alvechurch hit back strongly in the second half and Michael Woolman hit a double to peg back the Stoke-on-Trent hosts.

But it proved to no avail as Alvechurch failed to do themselves justice in the replay with a strike from Joe Wright being eclipsed by efforts from Garside and John Beaumont.

Alvechurch return to Baker Joiner Midland Alliance action when they entertain Loughborough University on Saturday before playing host to Westfields on Tuesday.

All three local sides have been handed home draws in the first round of the Birmingham Senior Cup.

Redditch United entertain Birmingham City, Studley face Halesowen Town and Alvechurch welcome Leamington to Lye Meadow.

The ties must be played on or before Saturday, October 27.

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